Election Cycle 2016 – West Tyrone

“It is of vital importance for the health and well-being for the future of our children that we have robust legislstion in place to allow all citizens  the opportunity to have the best greenways and cycle routes in there area.”

“My colleague Chris Lyttle was privileged to establish and Chair the All Party Assembly Group on Cycling and to work with organisations like Sustrans NI and NI Greenways to mobilise MLAs in support of cycling.

“The APG on Cycling hosted a number of important stakeholder events to facilitate supportive input from MLA and NGOs into the Assembly Regional Development Committee Cycling Inquiry and the Department for Regional Development Cycling Strategy.

“The APG on Cycling also hosted and participated in events to promote Bike Week and the Sustrans/DRD Cycling Unit Belfast Bike Life Report which has established public support for increased investment in cycling provision.

“As an MLA, my colleague submitted multiple cycling related questions to Regional Development Ministers to support enhanced cycle provision and to raise awareness of underinvestment in comparison with other regions, which DRD has estimated will decrease from £4.17 per head of population in 2014/15 to only £1.30 per head of population for 2015/16.

“Alliance Party MLAs will therefore fully support a wide range of enhanced cycling provision in Northern Ireland, including:

1. Increased investment in cycling of at least £10 per head of population.
2. The development and realisation of the health, rural regeneration and tourism potential of Greenways across the region and where possibly with connectivity to the rest of the island.
3. An Active Travel Act to incorporate cycling and walking provision into land-use planning and new development.

“We will work with everyone to make this the best cycling region in these islands.”

“Additionally, as per our manifesto, the Animal Welfare Party firmly encourage much more cycle use with a massive increase in the availability, suitability and safety of cycle lanes.

“We believe promoting sports and physical activity is hugely important to improving human health and as such if elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly we would increase sports facilities and sports education including access for all schools, and encourage participation in sports and other physical activities in the community.”

1. Yes, safe cycling is hugely important and should therefore be funded.
2. Yes I support the development of traffic-free greenways across the country to boost rural regeneration and tourism, again it ties in very well with Green Party policy.
3. Yes, support the introduction of an Active Travel Act to incorporate cycling and walking provision into land-use planning and new developments as such an Act would favour the ‘Common Good’.

1. Investment: Absolutely, as we face a public health crisis & increasing traffic congestion on our roads it’s time we were creative & innovative with our resources. I would love to see some ideas in future.
2. Greenways: Yes. I would love to see this type of infrastructure everywhere possible. This is something we are currently having discussions with our local council team about. Greenways have the potential to boost and strengthen tourist activity across West Tyrone.
3. Legislation: Yes, whilst I haven’t seen the finer details of any proposed legislation I would agree with the wider principles outlined and would be a keen advocate of the need to seriously explore ways in which community planning can actively assist the development of greenway provision.”

“Car drivers are made to feel guilty and made to feel that they should embrace cycling as if it were a panacea for the world’s ills. As a car driver I have personally witnessed selfish, rude behaviour on the part of cyclists on the road. There has to be give and take on the roads and civility. Cyclists need to feel safe on the road, as do car drivers.

“I hope I have clearly stated my position and that you know that I do not see the need for a Bicycle Strategy for Northern Ireland nor will I advocate a cycling strategy for Northern Ireland.”